Aesthetic surgery

LIPOEDEMA – LASTING PAIN RELIEF THANKS TO MODERN METHODS

Lipoedema is characterised by legs like pillars, large calves and sometimes voluminous upper arms. However, these signs are not due to being overweight, which is why diets often do not help. Rather, lipoedema is an inherited condition. The cause is not yet fully understood, but hormones are probably the trigger for the often painful distribution of fat on the arms, legs and upper arms. In the case of lipoedema, the fat on the upper and lower legs and upper arms increases regardless of energy intake and causes the client pain. Unfortunately, lipoedema is considered an incurable disease. Even specialists can only provide relief. This makes it all the more important that a correct diagnosis is made. We would like to draw particular attention to the fact that if lipoedema remains untreated, it can develop into lymphoedema. Feet and hands then also swell. This is why doctors refer to these cases as lipoedema (lipolymphoedema). If you have already received this diagnosis, the microsurgery specialists can help you.

At the ETHIANUM Clinic Heidelberg, the specialists work on an interdisciplinary basis to permanently alleviate the suffering of their clients. Find out what steps we take to make a diagnosis and which methods we use to achieve lasting good results.

Aesthetic surgery

LIPOEDEMA – THE DIAGNOSIS AND INITIAL MEASURES

Lipoedema is usually diagnosed clinically at the ETHIANUM Heidelberg as a lipoedema centre. A vein check shows whether the venous flow is disturbed. If lipoedema is diagnosed, conservative decongestive therapy is recommended first.

This decongestion therapy consists of manual lymphatic drainage and wearing compression garments. Under supervision, exercise can be helpful, even if this should only be done with compression garments. Nutritional counselling is also useful. This involves weight control or, if necessary, weight loss. However, this alone will not be the solution.

Aesthetic surgery

LIPOEDEMA – GENTLE LIPOSUCTION FOR LONG-TERM FREEDOM FROM PAIN

Two specialists at the ETHIANUM have dedicated themselves to lipoedema: Prof. Dr. Reichenberger and Prof. Dr. Engel, both specialists in plastic and aesthetic surgery. They achieve very good results with liposuction for lipoedema and can show significant relief of symptoms. They use the PAL method (power-assisted liposuction) or the WAL method (water-jet assisted liposuction) in combination with a tumescent solution.

What sounds complicated first requires a check to see whether the lymphatic system is already affected by the disease. If this is not the case, nothing stands in the way of modern treatment.

Conventional liposuction is a liposuction procedure. In this case, however, it is not used for weight loss. Rather, in the case of lipoedema, it aims to significantly reduce the problematic fat deposits. Tumescent anaesthesia is a special form of local anaesthesia in which a large volume of a pressurised liquid is injected into the subcutaneous fatty tissue. This also contains a local anaesthetic. At the ETHIANUM, the specialists use the most modern and tissue-sparing methods such as the PAL method or the WAL method. In the PAL method, a vibrating cannula loosens the fat using extremely fine vibrations. The WAL method uses water pressure to remove the fat from the tissue.

With both techniques, the surgeon has to pass the cannula through the tissue less often. This has the advantage that the tissue is spared and there is less bleeding and swelling. The recovery phase is also shorter and there is less discomfort. The earlier the treatment is carried out, the better the result. The stretched skin regresses much more easily and looks firmer.

But what is even more important: up to 85% of clients experience lasting and significant relief from their symptoms.

Aesthetic surgery

LIPOEDEMA – STAGES OF THE DISEASE

Rider breeches – in the course of the disease the formation of suave breeches

The increase in fat cells occurs primarily on the upper and lower legs and arms. The hands and feet are not yet affected. Lipoedema can be recognised by the coarse-grained hardening of the subcutaneous fatty tissue.

Tendency to oedema in an advanced stage

Water retention in the lower leg area when standing or sitting for long periods. A dull swelling sensation occurs, particularly in the evening.

Pain to the touch and sensitivity to pressure

This is particularly noticeable in the thighs and occurs even with slight pressure.

Heavy, bulging legs and arms

This applies in general, but occurs particularly during physical exertion and sporting activities

Tendency to haematomas

Bruising on the legs occurs much more quickly than usual

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